Review: Mary Poppins Returns

Review: Mary Poppins Returns

Let’s go on an adventure, shall we?!? A mere 54 years after the classic premiered, Mary Poppins is back!

Mary Poppins Returns centers on the Banks children once again. This time, however, the grown up siblings Michael and Jane Banks (Ben Whishaw and Emily Mortimer) are living a hectic life in Depression-era London decades after Mary’s first magical visit; focusing on their individual endeavors as well as taking care of Michael’s three children after the death of his wife. The family falls on hard times and is in danger of losing its precious home unless Michael can pay back a loan to the bank he works for; headed up by a nefarious family member of its original chairman. When it seems like the Banks’ have lost all hope, Mary (Emily Blunt) alongside her friend Jack (Lin-Manuel Miranda) help them realize there’s still happiness and joy in their lives.

Mary Poppins Returns is yet another exciting journey into the world of P.L. Travers. It had the perfect combination of comedy, spectacular visual effects, and sensational numbers for the musical lover in all of us. Director, Rob Marshall, puts as much care into this film as Robert Stevenson did with the original, making it an absolute joy to watch for the young and young at heart. What makes the film even more enjoyable is the quality of performance by the cast. Miranda shines as Jack – proving he’s a master of everything he takes part in – while Blunt is immaculate as Mary, perfectly blending wit and humor with a more serious, motherly side her character demands.

Mary Poppins Returns is nominated for four Golden Globes and will assuredly be a contender at the Oscars, like its predecessor. I’d go as far to say it may even be a dark horse for Best Picture.